FROM THIS EPISODE

Generations of Southern Californians have warmed themselves by the bright light of the fire pits at the public beaches of Newport Beach. But now the city wants to eliminate them, calling the iconic devices a health hazard — and the South Coast Air Quality Management District might agree. Standing in its way, though, are beach-goers and the California Coastal Commission, who say the pits are an integral part of California coastal life. Who'll win this battle of the bonfires?